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Riviera announces two new entry level models at Sydney show

A combination of two global premieres and a sneak preview of two new entry level models for 2018 were announced at a Riviera press briefing at the Sydney International Boat Show this week.

The world premiere was of the 68 Sports Motor Yacht, with mention also being made of the 72 Sports Motor Yacht. These two models are the largest in Riviera’s sports motoryacht range and 10 have been built or are in build, comprising six 68s and four 72 models. A mention of Hull 14 was made, so it is assumed that at least four others are under negotiation. The first 10 have been sold to owners in Australasia, Europe and the US.

The 68 is actually 22.7m (75ft) in length, with room for eight guests and a crew of one or two. The collection includes the 68 and 72 models, both available with Classic or Grand Presidential accommodation suite options offering three or four staterooms and three bathrooms.

“The Riviera Sports Motor Yacht collection has been designed to offer the exhilaration of sports performance with the luxurious comforts," says the company. "Superior offshore and extended cruising capabilities are the hallmarks of this extraordinary design. These yachts can be fitted with a number of engine options including twin MAN V12s of 1,550hp, 1,800hp or 1,900hp each with an average full speed of around 32kt.

During a period of more than two years of development, Riviera’s in-house design team conducted extensive consultations with highly experienced Riviera owners from around the world to create a motoryacht of great beauty and purpose.

"All of the owners we spoke with were seeking a new style of motoryacht," said Riviera owner and chairman Rodney Longhurst. "Their dream was a blue-water yacht that combines speed and sport fishing and other water sports capabilities with the confidence of high bulwark side decks, a foredeck entertainment centre, fully enclosed flybridge with internal stairs, a covered mezzanine dining area and ultra-luxurious interiors."

The two new entry level yachts, both under 12.2m (40ft), were the 11.9m Open Flybridge model and a sporty and adventurous 395 SUV. Both models will have their world premieres in 2018. The two models share a new hull and deck design, offering two generous staterooms and a bathroom on the accommodation deck, a spacious saloon and a cockpit designed for relaxing and entertaining or for a raft of watersports, from fishing to diving.

These are the first new entry models that Riviera has made in over a decade and they have ball park sale prices of A$800,000 to A$900,000. Wes Moxey, Riviera CEO, indicated that the first 15 hulls are being reserved for Australian buyers and that the 15th hull would be premiered at the 2018 SIBS as a flybridge model.

Longhurst said: “The new models provide a compelling new entree to the Riviera family. These new models offer exceptional boating options in an easy-to-handle size – the go-anywhere attributes of our classic blue-water flybridge collection and the single-level entertaining that is in the DNA of our popular SUV collection."

In respect of the Belize 66, which was launched earlier this year, it is planned to build 10 models. These are built in Taiwan at the Kha Shing facility in Kaohsiung.

As to Rivieria’s overall state of corporate health, Longhurst told IBI: “We returned to profitability some time ago and we continue to do well. This allows me, as the sole shareholder, to continue investing in the business. We have 74 apprentices in the workforce and more are to come. The total workforce is now about 580.”

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